Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols for sodium hydro...
Chemical Equation for Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid Reaction
The chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid is:
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
This equation is balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Explanation
- Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and hydrochloric acid is a strong acid. When they react, they undergo a neutralization reaction, producing a salt and water.
- In the equation, NaOH represents sodium hydroxide and HCl represents hydrochloric acid. The (aq) next to each compound indicates that they are both in aqueous solution, meaning that they are dissolved in water.
- When sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are mixed, they react to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). Sodium chloride is a salt that is soluble in water, so it remains in solution. Water is a liquid that is formed as a product of the reaction.
- The reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat. This is because the reaction releases energy as the products form.
- The balanced equation shows that for every one mole of sodium hydroxide and one mole of hydrochloric acid that react, one mole of sodium chloride and one mole of water are produced.
Conclusion
The reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid is a common laboratory reaction that is used for a variety of purposes, including the preparation of salts and the determination of the concentration of acids and bases. The balanced equation for the reaction shows that the reaction is a simple neutralization reaction that produces a salt and water.